Jules Verne was not considered a great writer by his peers

Jules Verne wanted to be acknowledged for his literary talent rather than just to amuse his audience. He and his publisher spent a lot of time refining his literary style and revising his texts. His exceptional capacity to spark the imagination of his reader eventually led to the discovery of his skill. The people and technology he portrayed were authentic and convincing. But because his works were all about adventures and travel, he was exclusively considered a young-adult author.

In order to evaluate the literary merits of the authors in France in the 19th century, one literary institution was crucial. L'Académie Française was made up of authors, poets, and occasionally scientists who were chosen for life because of their literary prowess. The surviving members would vote to choose the author to fill the vacant seat whenever a member passed away.

Numerous times Jules Verne's application for a seat was put forth, but every time another author was chosen. He received a literary award from L'Académie Française, but never one greater. At the end of his career, in 1892, Jules Verne expressed remorse about never having "mattered" to French literature.